Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi

Photo from CIWY’s Facebook page

Inti Wara Yassi manages three wildlife refuges in Bolivia, including Parque Machia (Villa Tunari), Ambue Ari (north of Santa Cruz), and Jacj Cuisi (near Rurrenabaque). By caring for a variety of animals, the organization strives to educate the Bolivian population to uphold values that promote life, conservation, preservation, and the recuperation of biodiversity. Volunteer reservations are not accepted, but rather, are accepted in-person upon arrival. Days are spent caring for wildlife while also helping to build or maintain physical infrastructure.

Typical Day: All volunteers will take part in daily tasks such as preparing food for monkeys, carrying rocks for the latest enclosure, basic construction, etc. Those working with a cat will spend their afternoons taking jungle walks while others will spend time with the house animals, quarantine, aviary and in the monkey park.

Location: 348 km north of Santa Cruz (5 hours by bus). Complete directions can be found at the links included below.

Important Note: There is no electricity, hot water, phone, or internet access at Ambue Ari. The town of Ascención de Guarayos is 48 Km away and offers phone and email services.

JACJ CUISI

Types of animals: Four pumas

Volunteer duration: Two week minimum for construction work; One month minimum to work with a cat

Typical Day: Volunteers are asked to work up to six hours per day, after which they take turns pitching in making food and relaxing in the Amazon. Walking the cats each day is priority #1, but when volunteer numbers are high, eight volunteers work with the pumas while others help with construction.

Location: Near Rurrenabaque, a 20 hour bus ride (or two hour flight) north of La Paz. Complete directions can be found at the links included below.

Important Note: There is no electricity, hot water, phone, or internet access at Jacj Cuisi. However, Rurrenabaque is 35km away and has internet, an ATM, restaurants, pharmacy, and hospital.